chased leaders, dropped off front pair after 4th, well behind from 7th, not fluent when joined for remote 3rd 4 out, tailed off
behind, went 4th from 8th, disputing modest 3rd but no chance when blundered 3 out, tailed off
made all, ridden and switched right towards stands rail flat, all out
held up in 4th, behind 5th, tailed off
tracked leader, ridden 4 out, switched left flat, stayed on towards finish, just held
TOMMY SILVER doesn't have a pedigree that screams chaser but he would have been the best of these over hurdles, winning a couple of competitive handicaps last season, and should win this if his jumping is up to scratch. Optimus Prime is a danger, however, as he had a couple of runs over the larger obstacles in France last year, finishing second on both occasions. He has also had a recent run and is no slouch over timber. Behind Time was quickly left behind by Yanworth and Sternrubin at Exeter but showed some promise and will know more today.
Behind Time (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up off the pace in 4th, outpaced 5 out, never on terms, 5th of 6, 32 1/2l behind Yanworth (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f (3) gs in Oct.
Lickpenny Larry 12-1 (11-9) Slowly away, held up in rear, not fluent 4th, struggling after 6th, plugged on before last, no chance, 6th of 10, 13 1/2l behind Orion's Might (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in May.
Optimus Prime (FR) 4-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear and keen, outpaced before 2 out, plugged on same from last, no impression, 4th of 6, 10 1/2l behind Old Guard (11-0) at Kempton 2m lst (1) gd in Oct.
Presenting William (IRE) 200-1 (11-2) Always in rear, lost touch after 4th, soon tailed off, eventually completed, 6th of 7, dist behind North Hill Harvey (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
Tommy Silver (FR) 7-1 (10-11) Prominent, driven 2 out, one pace last, no impression flat, 6th of 16, 4 1/4l behind Chesterfield (10-12) at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gs in Apr.
